Commencement

Commencement Speaker

The 2019 Commencement Speaker will be announced in early 2019.

Audio and Video Recordings

Recordings of the main Commencement ceremony will be available on Stanford iTunes and Stanford YouTube following the event. A link to those recordings will be added when they are available.

General Ceremony and Event Information

For the comfort of families and guests: The following suggestions may make the Commencement ceremony more enjoyable.

• Dress for the heat; light clothing is advisable.
• Hats, visors, and sun block are highly recommended.
• Bottled water will be available in the Stadium, but you may wish to bring your own water as well.
• Light refreshments will be available for purchase at the Stadium during Commencement.
• Umbrellas will not be permitted, as they block the view of other guests.
• Smoking is prohibited in the Stanford Stadium and all other indoor and outdoor spaces holding events during the weekend.

Public Safety Clear Bag Policy

Stanford University has implemented a clear bag policy to provide a safer environment for the public and expedite entry into Stanford Stadium for Commencement. Please review the clear bag policy and FAQs prior to attending the ceremony. A PDF overview is also available to download.

Complimentary Bag Check

Guests with bags or items that do not satisfy the Stanford Stadium Bag Policy are welcome to bring them to the complimentary bag check station, located at Cobb Track/Angell Field. The bag check station opens two hours before the ceremony begins and closes one hour after the conclusion of the event.

Stroller Check Area

Due to safety regulations, no strollers are allowed in the seating areas of the Stadium. For your convenience, a stroller check area will be provided near Gate 3 of the Stadium.

Accessibility Information

Disability Parking

The Varsity Lot (Lot 1), located via Galvez Street to Nelson Road will be reserved for guests displaying any state-issued or temporary disability parking permit. Individuals with mobility limitations can be dropped off outside Gate 2 where folding chairs and a wheelchair shuttle service will be available.

Accessible Entrance

All gate entrances to the Stadium are accessible. Once through the gate, continue through the tunnel (step-free path) to the concourse level and lower bowl sections. An elevator is located at Gate 4 and Gate 5 to access the upper bowl sections.

Mobility Assistance

A limited number of ushers with wheelchairs will be available, beginning at 8:00 a.m., outside Gate 2 of the Stadium to assist in escorting guests with limited mobility into the Stadium. The ushers will drop the guest off near the disability seating and return at the end of the ceremony. No advanced registration is required for this service, and the wheelchair escort service will continue throughout the entire Stadium ceremony.

Seating

The majority of seating at the Stadium will be in direct sunlight. Umbrellas will not be allowed. Some seating areas on the east and southeast sides of the Stadium will be fully or partially shaded during the Ceremony. Wheelchair seating is located at the Concourse level, Row Y, (via the tunnels) and is in full shade. Additional wheelchair seating is located in the upper bowl, Row V, (via the elevator). In order to accommodate guests using wheelchairs, or those with other disability-related needs, we request only one companion per seat. A Mobility Section, located in Row W and X in the lower section, is available for individuals who can only climb limited stairs (5-7 steps with a handrail) or who cannot sit in the sun. All seating is first come, first served.